Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan, October 18, 2008--A Kazakh hunter releases his golden eagle during a competition in this town 186 miles (300 kilometers) from the capital of Bishkek.

Hunting with eagles is a centuries-old tradition in Eurasia. The birds are captured at a young age, blinded, and held in a cage where they are accustomed to their master's songs and chants.

A well-trained eagle will return after killing prey such as foxes and badgers.